Carmakers Get Involved in Takata Airbag Probe

Feb. 25, 2015—Ten major automakers are enlisting the help of a firm that specializes in aerospace and rocket propellants to help pinpoint what’s causing malfunctions in Takata’s airbag systems, according to a report from The Detroit News.

Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford, Chrysler, and five other automakers are involved in the probe.

Takata is at the center of a major recall that’s affecting millions of cars worldwide, and has caused at least six deaths. In December, the Japanese parts supplier retained the Fraunhofer Institute, a German research organization, to attempt to find the root of the problem in its airbag systems with little success.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has demanded that Takata expand its recalls to nationwide, but the company has refused, resulting in fines that amount to $14,000 a day until recalls are expanded.